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Blue Elderberry

Sambucus Mexicana

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Overview

Blue Elderberry, or Sambucus mexicana, is a versatile shrub native to the southwestern U.S. It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide, thriving in USDA zones 7-10. This deciduous plant boasts creamy-white flower clusters in late spring, succeeded by edible blue-black berries. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate water, adding wildlife appeal and hedging aesthetics. Space plants 6-10 feet apart for a lush landscape feature.

Sun FullWater LowZones 6–10Type ShrubClimate Temperate
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9; not only are these berries visually appealing against the backdrop of, image 64

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
6–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (115)

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It often reaches a mature height of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread; each approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch in, image 81
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Not only are these berries visually appealing against the backdrop of its dark green leaves
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — This is a low-maintenance plant that has a high impact in the garden both aesthetically and ecologically; shrub for full
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — shrub for full; this is a low-maintenance plant that has a high impact in the garden both aesthetically and ecologically
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — succeeded by edible blue-black berries
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — but they are also edible and a valuable food source for local wildlife
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It often reaches a mature height of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread; each approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — white flowers in the garden; scientifically named Sambucus mexicana, image 70
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Space plants 6-10 feet apart for a lush landscape feature; including birds and butterflies
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9; not only are these berries visually appealing against the backdrop of, image 88
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Prune as needed to encourage a more compact growth habit and to remove any dead or diseased wood; its versatility in
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Prune as needed to encourage a more compact growth habit and to remove any dead or diseased wood; its, image 68
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Its versatility in natural
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Not only are these berries visually appealing against the backdrop of its dark green leaves; it is hardy in USDA zones 4
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — though it can sometimes stretch upwards to 30 feet in optimal conditions; as a fast-growing species, it is, image 82
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — but they are also edible and a valuable food source for local wildlife; shrub with white blooms, image 86
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9; not only are these berries visually appealing against the backdrop of its dark
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — but they are also edible and a valuable food source for local wildlife; shrub with white blooms
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — scientifically named Sambucus mexicana; white flowers in the garden, image 55
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Blue Elderberry, or Sambucus mexicana, is a versatile shrub native to the southwestern U.S
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — or wildlife garden designs makes it an excellent choice for a variety of settings; this deciduous plant boasts, image 66
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — This deciduous plant boasts creamy-white flower clusters in late spring; or wildlife garden designs makes it, image 75
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — though it can sometimes stretch upwards to 30 feet in optimal conditions; as a fast-growing species, it is, image 58
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — shrub for full
Photographs by 13 contributors

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